Collaborative Robots Can Support Young Adults with Disabilities in Vocational Education and Training

Olivia Herzog, Elisa Mina

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contributionpeer-review

Abstract

To explore the opportunities of collaborative robots (cobots) to assist young adults with disabilities, we accompanied the deployment of a cobot in a vocational training workshop. The study with eleven participants investigated how trainees with intellectual disabilities react to a cobot, which tasks can be supported, and which challenges and opportunities arise. The study includes two surveys on negative attitudes toward robots, two workshops followed by interviews, a group interview, and an email survey with supervisors. The surveys were analyzed using descriptive statistics and qualitative methods. The results indicate a low negative attitude towards robots before and after working with the cobot. The cobot can be used for assembly, handling, and quality control. However, challenges such as the cost and the identification of suitable users and applications must be overcome to fully use the opportunities like improving workplace ergonomics, expanding users' skills, and preparing employees for the primary job market.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationHRI 2024 Companion - Companion of the 2024 ACM/IEEE International Conference on Human-Robot Interaction
PublisherIEEE Computer Society
Pages540-544
Number of pages5
ISBN (Electronic)9798400703232
DOIs
StatePublished - 11 Mar 2024
Event19th Annual ACM/IEEE International Conference on Human-Robot Interaction, HRI 2024 - Boulder, United States
Duration: 11 Mar 202415 Mar 2024

Publication series

NameACM/IEEE International Conference on Human-Robot Interaction
ISSN (Electronic)2167-2148

Conference

Conference19th Annual ACM/IEEE International Conference on Human-Robot Interaction, HRI 2024
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CityBoulder
Period11/03/2415/03/24

Keywords

  • Cobots
  • Human-Robot Interaction
  • Inclusion
  • Vocational Training

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